The New Orleans Saints are a mess at the quarterback position. After an up-and-down 2024 season, quarterback Derek Carr looked to use the upcoming 2025 season to turn the team around and compete for an NFC South Divisional title.
The Saints’ future is now in a tough position, as Carr reportedly suffered a shoulder injury that could force them to miss the 2025 season. The Saints are now looking into the possibility of turning to the 2025 NFL Draft for a new franchise quarterback. The New England Patriots could be in a position to help them, but with a big return.
New England has the No. 4 pick in the draft. If their top two targets, Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter and Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter, aren’t available by the time the Patriots pick, New England might be likely to trade back.
The Saints could trade up to No. 4 to take Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, while the Patriots receive a luxurious package that likely includes the No. 9 pick, the No. 40 pick (in the second round), and the Saints’ first-round pick in the 2026 draft.
While the Saints find their franchise quarterback, the Patriots can use the No. 9 pick to address the offensive line more for second-year quarterback Drake Maye. The Patriots allowed 52 sacks last season, which is tied for fifth most in the league. Offensive tackles Will Campbell (LSU), Armand Membou (Missouri), or Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas) could easily be available.
The Patriots could stay on the offensive side of the ball and give Maye another reliable target to throw to. Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillian is potentially the only wide receiver who could be worth the gamble within the top ten.
If the Patriots wanted to address the defensive side of the ball despite a busy free agency haul, there is plenty of talent that could be available. Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, Georgia edge rushers Jalon Walker and Mykel Williams, and Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon could be serious options.
